Waves in the 6-foot-plus range and barreling drew surfers like a magnet to Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point last Sunday.

Among the local talent in the lineup was 16-year-old San Clemente local Malia Ward. We checked in with her to see what she’s been up to lately. Stoked as ever, the dream of a professional surf career is still on her radar and she’s ready to turn up her intensity to make it a reality.

“I need more good results under my belt and am ready to get more serious with contests, training with coaches and just working really hard to get to where I want to be,” Malia said.

That means entering more pro juniors, some QS events and WSA and NSSA contests for practice in between.

“I also want to keep traveling, surfing new waves and getting more experience.” she said, “None of this would be possible without my mom encouraging me and helping me chase my dreams. It’s a real blessing to have her in my life.”

Recent travels have taken her to Florida and Barbados and she has plans this summer to surf in Mexico and Bali, Indonesia. Malia is finishing up her sophomore year online through Connections Academy where she is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student.

“I want to continue online classes in college while chasing the pro tour,” she said. “I definitely want to get a degree so I will know how to run my future empire.”